Hey guys! I struggled all day with how I should review this album. Should it be more organized or should it be more of a free form style? I wasn't sure at first, but I think that it would be best to examine three specific parts of this album: Instrumentals, Vocals, and Message(or lyrical content) Have you guys listened to Know Hope yet? Have you even heard of The Color Morale? Let me know below!
When I first heard The Color Morale I didn't like them. Back then, I was pretty narrow minded with music and they've always been a band that's strayed a bit from the norm. However, the more I listened to them, the more I grew to like them. Their songs have an almost infectious nature to them. You might hear one of their songs at first and think it was just okay, but that song doesn't let go of you. It gets stuck inside your head until you listen to it again, again, and again. One thing that always brings me back to this band over countless others is the devotion they have to spreading their message. Every single song has a rhyme and reason to it. There are no gimmicks with this band just honest music with an honest message. This band really stresses the concept of hope through each release. They're also big on moving forward with your life and who you are as a person. They've put out three albums via Rise Records, Know Hope being their most recent. I was super excited for this album. Their previous release, My Devil in Your Eyes, is one of my all time favorite records, and I couldn't wait to see what they were going to do next. I went out and bought the record a little over a week ago and have barely stop listening since.
Instrumentals
Right from the start of this record you're greeted with an awesome track in Burn Victims. This song has a very heavy tone to it, with one of the best chorus' I've ever heard. The instrumentals throughout this entire album are a lot heavier than I expected them to be, but it works so well. The guitar work is just as good as anything else they've put out. I feel like the guitar parts ride a fine line of simplicity and technicality. They counter act the heavy riffs with beautiful lead parts and melodic chords. The sense of chaos that the instrumentals create within the track Smoke and Mirrors(video above) is menacing at points, and this holds true for the entire record. They've achieved a much more raw and dirty sound with this album, and I feel like it gives a much more authentic feel to this band. You can feel the anger and pain within each one of these songs. One thing that continually amazes me is the absurd drumming by Steve Carey. He's always been an insane drummer, but he's out of control on this record. His drumming compliments and accents the other instruments PERFECTLY. Great job Steve, you're awesome. Honestly though they've really achieved something with the instrumentals on this album. They've kept the same feel that fans will be used to while also evolving it and bring something fresh to The Color Morale. I think that these songs hold something for everyone instrumentally. Some songs, especially the first half of the album, are relentlessly heavy, while the second half still maintains heavy elements, but pushes a more melodic/punk style to the foreground. The song Steadfast is a good example of this. There's also an interesting use of keys/pads in some cool spots, which is something new for them. You can definitely tell more time was spent in post production for this record. Overall, awesome instrumentals that convey a new fresh tone to these songs, while remaining the band I've come to love.
Vocals
Vocals have undergone a big transformation for this record. Singer, Garret Rapp, developed a higher scream/yell that constantly reminds me of Stray from the Path. A lot of people don't like his vocal style for this album, but I absolutely love it. The other day I was actually listening to one of their older albums and I found myself wishing that the old records utilized his new vocal style. He talks a little about the transformation in the video I posted above. I really believe that his new style of scream lends a more angry and emotional side to the heavy parts. There's also a really good use of his low screaming as well. His low screams definitely aren't used as much in this record, but when they are used, they're used well. This helps to create a really good contrast and variety within the vocals. Then of course there are his clean vocals, and they don't disappoint. Record after record, I'm constantly amazed with the chorus' this man can think of. He has a true gift for thinking of hooks and melodies that will be embedded in your brain for days. As a vocalist myself, he continually inspires me with what he's able to pull off. A lot of people make the mistake of saying that something is bad just because it's different from what they're used to. People don't realize that you have to sit back and accept something for what it is. Only then can you truly appreciate it. The vocals on this record are truly unique and they further solidify Mr. Rapp as one of my favorite vocalists in the scene today. There's also some truly awesome screams from bassist, Justin Hieser. I find myself constantly singing this album to myself when I'm at home, work, church, everywhere I go it's in my head. If you like passionate screams coupled with contagious singing melodies, you won't be disappointed here.
Message
Garret Rapp has made the statement that this album, lyrically, is his entire life spilled onto a CD for people's enjoyment. He's been struggling with a lot things in his life, and he's not afraid to tell you what those are with this record. Few lyricists are bold enough to be as honest as Garret is with Know Hope. He touches on a lot of topics that are close to his heart, and things that he still isn't over. This record is very much a current representation of him and the band as a whole. The problems he talks about in this album are not things that are in his past. They are things that he is still struggling through. His honesty has been very inspirational for me as a writer. He's made the statement that in the past he's written about what the thought he was supposed to write about, instead of writing about what he really wants/needs to. I really connected to that statement. This record is a lot darker and more unnerving than any of the others, while still remaining inspirational somehow. A lot of us face some of the same problems that he's facing. Some of us might be facing them right now, so it's really easy to connect with the lyrical side of this album. Rise Records made a statement on their Facebook not too long ago that read: hype fades, substance stays. Substance is exactly what this record contains. The Color Morale has changed multiple lives, including mine, with their message. Even though a lot of this record is negative in it's message Garret says it the best in the song Silver Lining, "You can still lead a positive life with a negative mind."
Final Thoughts
I was extremely excited for this album and it did not disappoint me at all, and the more I listen to it, the more I love it. This is The Color Morale at their best. Everyone in this band has sacrificed so much to bring you this honest representation of their lives through music. Please support this band, they give everything they have and expect nothing in return. If you haven't heard of The Color Morale, please check them out and pick up one of their records. I really don't think you'll be disappointed. This band has changed a lot in me, the way I view music, and why I play music myself. I would absolutely hate for you to miss out on what this band has for you.
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